Round 6, Saturday, 31st May
"A" Grade v Keilor
A week is a long time in football. Our approach to the game against Keilor was in stark contrast to the previous week. We were positive, ran hard, got the ball into the forward line quickly and back each other up. With our on-ballers, Dene Corboy, Brad Major, Scott Leydin and Mick Duggan doing well and Luke Taylor giving us a target when going forward we scored 5 goals to have a handy break at 1/4 time.
We kept the pressure on in the 2nd quarter and Keilor were having trouble getting any system into their game. Losing the inform Stephen Bugg was a blow, but the backline was standing firm and we went in at 1/2 time 3 goals up. Ten minutes into the 3rd quarter we had a 5 goals lead but then a few mistakes and a lack of concentration saw Keilor get back into the game. They started to create space and the loose man and with an open forward line they were very quickly within 1 goal. Our talking and running had dropped and at 3/4 time the game was in the balance.
After some real pressure football Keilor hit the front for the first time at the 23 minute mark of the last quarter, but to the Strathmore players credit they worked hard and a goal to Wiza saw us ahead again. 5 Minutes of pressure football saw us win a thriller by 1 point. If we have the right attitude we can beat anybody and it is an area that the whole Club must work on. A great effort to bounce back after the Aberfeldie game. Best: Lesiputty, Major, Corboy, Hall, Gillman, Black, A Leydin, S Leydin.
"A" Reserves v Keilor
Our home game, 1st versus 2nd, our chance to really show Keilor what we thought of them, several back from injury, and 3 back from the Firsts. The game was very willing right from the start and it looked like the ice would be well and truly in use after the game. Nic McLaughlin, Anthony Palmer and Darren Rowe battled hard all day, and were ably supported by Brad Perry, Jason Cuthbertson, Shane Gee, Damien Gillman, and Paul Leydin. Butch Bell also tried hard and had no luck convincing the umpire to protect the backline, who were taking a beating when they were near the ball. I always knew I hated Keilor but Saturday convinced me even more as their forward line punched, kicked and tried their hardest to mutilate as many of our players as possible. Keilor mind you didn't have it all their own way, our boys took it right up to them. Their heavy knocks and bashing did however take its toll and Keilor came out winners. The luncheon after the game looked like a battlefield with black eyes, broken noses, and several concussions, shoulders and arm injuries. We lost our chance to be Premiers and Champions but we will still be Premiers at the end of the season. The boys were very disappointed after the game, but had a very positive attitude, even though it will be harder next time we meet Keilor, I believe that our boys will skillfully match them and come out winner. We now have a week's break to recover from all our injuries and come back bigger and better than ever. Well done everyone on a hard tough game that will only make you stronger.
Sunday, 1st June
Under 14 A v East Keilor
On a magnificent day we ventured to East Keilor to try and make amends for the previous week where we were apparently unfortunate to lose. The whole team fought hard all day, but with 9 players having 2 possessions or less we were run over by a team that continually played-on and kicked some very good goals which we couldn't peg back. We also greatly missed Josh Stormount. One doesn't realise how important Josh is to our team especially in the forward line. We were only 2 points down with 5 minutes to go but we forgot the 1%ers such as holding on, smothers, diving on the loose ball, kicking to a space, etc. etc. Still, we nearly stole the game due to the gallant efforts of Suma (he must learn to handball to add another dimension to his already excellent game), plus Brian/Pat/Jerry/Timmy/David/Jeremy who all had excellent games. Tom, Gerry and James while rarely ever getting votes, destroy their opponents each match and rake up many possessions. They are not the flashy types but are always at the bottom of the pack and rarely let their coach down. Hopefully we can get back to the standard we attained during our first 5 games, especially the Greenvale game which was sensational. We must get back to the position where I have no idea who to chose for the best players when up to 16 players all deserve votes, which has happened all year. Good luck to East Keilor, obviously their have improved immensely and let's hope they can defeat more good teams in the Under 14's.
Under 14 B v Keilor
Another game at home--well another last minute change to Lebanon Reserve, or whatever it is called. It was great to be on the ground we train on. Keilor are the current top team. Our first half was excellent, 2 goals to Lloyd Edgar meant we were in touch at 1/2 time. Brian Sheehan who transferred from Keilor played well in the ruck throughout the game. Others to show up included Clinton Symons and Michael O'Haire. Some boys were certainly struggling due to game on Saturday for Essenon Grammar. Our 2nd half was generally poor. Keilor improved with their larger key position players starting to take over, We tried towards the end with the back struggling to man up. The positives were that we had 19 players, with 5 others who were unable to play. We still need assistance from a few more parents.
Under 12 C v Keilor
With the challenge of playing the top team in front of them the Mores burst onto the arena fired up and ready to give Keilor a real hard game. Early fierce pressure and tackling saw chances being created up forward and a great set shot from the boundary by Nick Becker saw the Mores register the first major of the game. Tight defence was the order of the day with both sides finding it difficult to break through and score. The first break saw the Supercoach praising the boys' endeavour and asking for the same effort in the 2nd. Once again the game was a battle of the defences with the Mores being unlucky not to score early on.
A few lucky bounes of the ball worked in Keilor's favour and by 1/2 time the game had really tightened up. The 2nd half opened as the first had with a quick goal from Michael Robson and the Mores were back in it. Strong running and tackling were keeping them in touch with the opposition but by the last quarter a big effort was needed to pull this one out of the fire. The last quarter was tough football with the Mores displaying plenty of heart right to the final siren. All any coach can expect from his team is 100% effort from everyone and the Supercoach certainly got that. We all applauded a great team effort.
Under 10 A v East Keilor
Another bright sunny morning inspired our boys to another fine performance. Ben Wilson led the charges on to the field for what was a fast fiery opening by the East Keilor boys. East Keilor seemed to have the ball in their forward line for most of the quarter but, fortunately, we were able to hold them to a few rushed behinds. Such is life sometimes in Under 10 football, one forward thrust by the Mores resulted in a great goal just before the siren much to the groans of the East Keilor throng who had had all of the play. The next 2 quarters saw tight competitive football with both teams' midfield trying to get the upper hand. Strathmore scored 2 more goals to East Keilor's few behinds. The last quarter saw East Keilor apply great pressure and persistence managing to score their first goal and even give themselves a sniff. Creat credit again to our backlin who withstood the pressure and kept driving the ball forward. A very pleasing victory and the Club song rang out loud and clear. Best players: M Reynolds, S Bradley, S Robertson, R Smith, R Brown, N James. Goals: B Madden (3).
Under 10 B v Meadow Heights
In another great sunny day for football we waited in anticipation for a headcount before the start of the game. As most of the boys attended their Holy Communion we began the game with 10 Strathmore plus 4 from Meadow Heights. The sportsmanship from the Meadow Heights Club was fantastic and allowed us the opportunity to do what we do best, and that is to give all the players a game of football. Nonetheless, both teams put on a very even 1st half, however, after 1/2 time the Strathmore boys applied some great pressure to kick away and win the game. Peter Clarke and Jye Williams were outstanding in the midfield, Jake Williams and Sinclair Johnason busy always offering leads and making space. Daniel and James battled hard in the forward line all day. Partick and Thomas stopped many opposition advances. In the end the fighting quality of our side showed up to all the parents and supporters. Once again it was a great win under the circumstances and great co-operation from Meadow Heights.
Under 10 C v Keilor
With the Morelings underboyed due to illness, injury and other commitments it was going to take all their determination to take on the undefeated top team in the competition. The Big O had the boys fired up before the game and they hit the ground focused on the job ahead. The opening quarter was inspirational stuff as the boys played their hearts out, tackling hard and causing their Keilor opponents to think twice before going for the ball. Accurate disposal and hard running was creating many options around the ground and at 1/4 time the Mores received a tremendous ovation from the crowd. With the scores tied the Big O urged the boys for more of the same and he would not have been disappointed with what he saw. The Keilor waterperson/coach gave the umpire some handy tips at the 1/4 time break and although the Mores' effort did not drop off, his advice saw a couple of easy goals from free kicks break the game open. The rest of the game was a tight see-sawing affair with the Mores not taking a backward step although being faced with a physically bigger and stronger opposition on most occasions. The final siren saw the Mores just short of a win but not short on courage in a great gutsy performance. Specials thanks to the smallest man on the field for making up the numbers at the last minute--and with a broken leg too!!